French Football's Anti-Homophobia Campaign Marred by Player Boycotts and Slurs
Source: news.source.channelnewsasia
A weekend intended to promote solidarity against homophobia in Ligue 1 turned contentious as several incidents undermined the initiative. Players from Olympique Lyonnais and Le Havre hid campaign symbols, Nantes' Mostafa Mohamed boycotted a match, and a homophobic slur was heard in a stadium tunnel. France's sports minister, Marie Barsacq, responded by emphasizing the need for decisive action against homophobia in football.
Key Points
Several Ligue 1 players refused to wear anti-homophobia campaign symbols during matches.
Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed boycotted his team's match against Montpellier due to personal convictions.
Lens defender Jonathan Gradit was heard using a homophobic slur in the stadium tunnel.
France's sports minister, Marie Barsacq, condemned homophobic behavior and called for sanctions.
The campaign aimed to promote solidarity against homophobia with rainbow-colored symbols on shirts and messages in stadiums.
Participation in the campaign has been inconsistent in recent years, with some players citing personal or religious reasons for opting out.
Former French international Antoine Griezmann and Nice's Jonathan Clauss have publicly commented on the issue of homophobia in football.
